Todays reading is about defining spiritual concepts for ourselves within Alanon. The writer describes coming to the program and feeling apathetic about a Higher Power. For the writer, reading through the steps and all the references to God was met with skepticism. What really surprised the writer though, was that other members only shared their experience, strength and hope. No one suggested or told the writer what type of connection he/she should have with a Higher Power. Over time the writer forged his/her own relationship with a HP. The writer was able to find his/her own truth and relationship with a HP; this relationship helped the writer to share honestly, set boundaries and express emotions.
I cant say I ever felt skeptical or uneasy about references to a HP or God, although I understand for many this is a difficult point to grapple with in the program. What happened in my case was that I started to understand a relationship with God as something more than one sided. I can be in conversation with God, I can ask for support, I can feel frustrated or even angry- all of the emotions that come with any relationship. Like the writer, experiencing a relationship in this way has strengthened who I am in many ways.
I appreciate the quotation from As We Understood(p.69): As Al-Anon members, we are encouraged to define spiritual concepts in our own terms and are free to arrive at our own spiritual truths.
I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful Sunday.
Mary
DM2021 said
Sep 18, 2022
Wishing you, Mary, a peaceful Sunday as well and thank you for your service and ESH.
I too did not have any skepticism about the presence of HP in my life, but like you, that relationship
grew into a more give and take one. I also see so many more signs around me than I did before I
came to Al-Anon and I credit the program for that as well. {{HUGS}}
Daffodils said
Sep 18, 2022
Thank you Mary and my feelings on HP mirror DM2021's. Speaking of signs, I was complimenting my neighbour on her beautiful garden this morning. I have always been drawn to it-it has a garden stone with the Serenity Prayer on it. Due to health issues, she was unable to plant more blazing stars this year so I volunteered to be her holedigger next spring. Just then, a monarch butterfly flew by. Checked MIP board and smiled when I read today's post. ((MIP))
PosiesandPuppies said
Sep 18, 2022
Thank you Mary for your service and to those who share their ESH.
I personally, love the fact that this program allows me the freedom to arrive at my own spiritual truth.
& Kindness matters
-- Edited by PosiesandPuppies on Sunday 18th of September 2022 11:38:50 AM
Good morning everyone:
Todays reading is about defining spiritual concepts for ourselves within Alanon. The writer describes coming to the program and feeling apathetic about a Higher Power. For the writer, reading through the steps and all the references to God was met with skepticism. What really surprised the writer though, was that other members only shared their experience, strength and hope. No one suggested or told the writer what type of connection he/she should have with a Higher Power. Over time the writer forged his/her own relationship with a HP. The writer was able to find his/her own truth and relationship with a HP; this relationship helped the writer to share honestly, set boundaries and express emotions.
I cant say I ever felt skeptical or uneasy about references to a HP or God, although I understand for many this is a difficult point to grapple with in the program. What happened in my case was that I started to understand a relationship with God as something more than one sided. I can be in conversation with God, I can ask for support, I can feel frustrated or even angry- all of the emotions that come with any relationship. Like the writer, experiencing a relationship in this way has strengthened who I am in many ways.
I appreciate the quotation from As We Understood(p.69): As Al-Anon members, we are encouraged to define spiritual concepts in our own terms and are free to arrive at our own spiritual truths.
I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful Sunday.
Mary
I too did not have any skepticism about the presence of HP in my life, but like you, that relationship
grew into a more give and take one. I also see so many more signs around me than I did before I
came to Al-Anon and I credit the program for that as well. {{HUGS}}
Thank you Mary for your service and to those who share their ESH.
& 
I personally, love the fact that this program allows me the freedom to arrive at my own spiritual truth.
Kindness matters
-- Edited by PosiesandPuppies on Sunday 18th of September 2022 11:38:50 AM